Sports and physical activities play an essential role in children’s overall growth and well-being. However, they may also expose children to the risk of dental injuries, such as chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth. To protect your child’s smile while they engage in recreational activities, sports guards serve as an indispensable tool. At Pickering Dental Services, our family dental care practice in Pickering, ON, we are dedicated to providing your child with the appropriate sports guards tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they can enjoy their favourite sports while maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.
That said, we will cover everything you need to know about children’s dentistry sports guards, including their types, customization processes, maintenance, and how our skilled team at Pickering Dental Services can help safeguard your child’s dental health through every game and practice.
1. Importance of Sports Guards in Children’s Dentistry
Sports guards, also known as mouthguards or mouth protectors, are essential in preserving the integrity of your child’s teeth and mouth during athletic events. They offer numerous benefits, including:
– Shielding against dental injuries: Sports guards protect teeth from being chipped, cracked, or knocked out by absorbing the impact of collisions or accidental blows to the face.
– Safeguarding soft tissues: They prevent injuries to the lips, cheeks, and tongue by cushioning these areas against impact.
– Reducing the risk of concussion: Some studies suggest that sports guards may help decrease the likelihood of concussions during contact sports.
Incorporating sports guards into your child’s athletic gear helps ensure that they can pursue their favourite activities safely and securely.
2. Types of Sports Guards
There are three primary types of sports guards, each with its advantages and drawbacks:
– Stock sports guards: These pre-formed mouthguards can be purchased over-the-counter at sporting goods stores. While they are readily available and inexpensive, they may not provide the best fit, comfort or optimal protection.
– Boil-and-bite sports guards: Also available over-the-counter, these mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that softens when immersed in hot water. Once softened, the guard is placed in the child’s mouth and shaped around the teeth by applying pressure. The fit is better than stock sports guards but may still not offer the highest level of protection.
– Custom-fitted sports guards: Crafted by dental professionals, these sports guards offer the best fit, comfort, and protection. The dentist makes an impression on your child’s teeth and constructs the mouthguard according to their unique dental specifications. While more expensive, custom-fitted guards are the ideal choice for maximum effectiveness and safety.
3. Fitting Procedure for Custom Sports Guards
The process of obtaining a custom-fitted sports guard at a dental office like Pickering Dental Services typically involves the following steps:
– Dental examination: The dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure there are no existing issues that may affect the creation or use of the sports guard.
– Taking impressions: Using dental putty or a digital scanner, the dentist will capture the exact shape and dimensions of your child’s teeth. This impression serves as the basis for crafting the custom sports guard.
– Fabrication: A dental laboratory creates the sports guard according to the detailed specifications provided by the dentist. The guard is carefully constructed to ensure a comfortable and precise fit.
– Fitting and adjustments: Once the custom guard is ready, the dentist will check if it properly fits your child’s mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and protection.
4. Care and Maintenance of Children’s Sports Guards
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your child’s sports guard and ensuring maximum protection. Follow these care tips:
– Clean regularly: Encourage your child to rinse their sports guard with water after each use and periodically clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Avoid using abrasive toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents.
– Store appropriately: Keep the sports guard in a well-ventilated protective case when not in use to avoid bacterial growth and distortion of its shape.
– Inspect regularly: Assess the condition of your child’s sports guard frequently to ensure it remains intact and functional. If you notice any tears, holes, or signs of wear that may compromise protection, replace the guard as needed.
– Schedule checkups: Bring your child’s sports guard to their dental checkups for professional evaluation and advice on its condition and fit.
5. When to Replace a Children’s Sports Guard
Monitoring your child’s sports guard is crucial, particularly as they continue to grow and develop. Generally, it’s necessary to replace your child’s guard:
– When they have experienced significant dental growth or changes, such as the eruption of new permanent teeth.
– If their guard shows signs of serious wear or damage that could affect its effectiveness.
– If your child complains of discomfort or difficulties wearing the guard.
Consulting your dentist, such as the professionals at Pickering Dental Services, can help you decide when it’s time for a replacement.
By integrating sports guards into your child’s dentistry plan, you can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries, ensuring their smile remains safe and protected throughout their athletic pursuits.
Preserve Your Child’s Smile with Pickering Dental Services’s Expertise
Safeguarding your child’s precious smile should be a top priority when participating in sports activities. At Pickering Dental Services, our family dental practice in Pickering, ON, we are dedicated to helping your child enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle without sacrificing their dental health. Our team of specialists will assess your child’s unique dental needs and carefully craft a custom-fitted sports guard to provide optimal protection and comfort throughout their games and practices.
Don’t leave your child’s dental safety to chance – contact Pickering Dental Services today and take the first step towards ensuring their athletic pursuits are both enjoyable and safe. Trust our skilled Pickering dental professionals to provide a comprehensive dental care solution tailored to your child’s individual needs, allowing them to embrace sports with confidence and a radiant smile.
